This section of the website  looks at some of the aspects of life in Ely during World War One.  It was a city in which many of the inhabitants were involved in farming and which relied heavily on the railways, with a large group of Great Eastern Railways employees living in the station area.  It was also an important market town with a thriving cultural life,and sports teams.  During 1914-18  it became a natural centre for the area with a War Work Depot and a VAD Hospital for wounded soldiers, as well a major stores distribution point for the Royal Flying Corps (later the RAF) in East Anglia.  It was also the place where Rural and Urban Tribunals were held from 1916 onwards once men began to appeal against conscription